[Exalted, ?] Most High
- Thread starter Rihaku
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Rihaku
The Internet
Well, do keep in mind that your legacy will not survive as something broad-based and popular, since the Usurpation and Shogunate / Realm are intervening. It'll be something kept alive by isolated traditions and creches of fanatics, if it survives at all. Of course, that's still a massive asset for a young Solar, I just don't want you guys thinking Odyssial can somehow overturn the view of Anathema from his posting in the First Age.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Never said we could, but it's more likely that they'll try hijacking our Achievements instead of completely paving them over, like they did with Sorcery and banishing the Primordials.
In other words "We can't actually make these events go away without genociding the entire Direction, and that'll be a big investment of our time and energy, so let's just do some creative editing to attribute those deeds to the Dragon Blooded instead".
The problem with that is that it's much easier to prove an edited history wrong then one that was completely crushed.
I didn't choose those choices just to increase Greatness, as should be obvious by the fact that I picked the Rose option. I also don't like the other choices.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
But that's the only argument you made in favor of it! Of course that's the one I'll try to counter!
Wait, I thought we only pick two.
Rihaku
The Internet
Guys, don't neglect the benefit of Sword of Endings! Not only is Sepulchral Pearlescence the pre-incarnation of a very relevant NPC, whose behavior she will affect heavily, you can, with a few other picks, get an Artifact N/A sword that can be stored in your anima, easy for Ulyssian to retrieve just by learning a certain Charm!
No tomb guardians and labyrinths of horror necessary!
Plus, she's a friend, and will stay your friend regardless of your Heartlessness rating! Don't you want a circle of friends?
No tomb guardians and labyrinths of horror necessary!
Plus, she's a friend, and will stay your friend regardless of your Heartlessness rating! Don't you want a circle of friends?
Lexica
Persevere
- Pronouns
- She/Her
We really shouldn't be ignoring the Sidereal here- not only is that Artifact incredibly nice, it's also important because, hey, Sidereal. There's that whole usurpation thing coming up, and even if it kills Odyssial no matter what, having a friendly elder Sidereal probably means that a great deal more of Odyssial's things will survive to the second age, which will be very important.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
Problem is that we don't really have a whole lot of options. Epoch 2 has three very good picks.
If we don't pick [ ] The Rose Blossoms do it mean that our Lunar Mate dislikes us or can we still be in friendly enough terms?
Preliminarily, I'd be interested in the Sword of Endings and the Rose Blossoms, tending to Sword of Endings mostly because a friendly Sidereal is a ridiculously valuable resource. In fact, I think I'd be willing to eat up a point of Heartlessness to grab both if it comes to that.
Preliminarily, I'd be interested in the Sword of Endings and the Rose Blossoms, tending to Sword of Endings mostly because a friendly Sidereal is a ridiculously valuable resource. In fact, I think I'd be willing to eat up a point of Heartlessness to grab both if it comes to that.
- Location
- Southern Virginia
[X] Protector of the West - As one of the most formidable of the Host, Odyssial was granted the mandate of a Directional Protectorate. With authority to monitor, investigate, and defend an entire Direction of Creation, his rightly paranoid self was able to install countless caches of arms, equipment, and loyalist cells throughout the archipelagos and beyond.
[X] The Sword of Endings - Sepulchral Pearlescence was a spry, slight Chosen of Endings, violet of eye and black of hair, with a crooked (and knowing) grin ever present on her face. Her delicate alabaster fingers, unblemished by even a single day's hard work, were threaded through with prayer strips to the Haywain and the Sword. In her right hand she held mourning, and in her left hand she held death. She began following Odyssial in the Primordial War, to manage and observe the effects that his storm of endings sent through Fate. Later, that was made her permanent assignation, after it was determined that this was cheaper than setting up a separate sub-Bureau to handle endings of which Odyssial was the cause.
[X] The Rose Blossoms - Though he spent much of his time pursuing self-improvement, Odyssial spent much time as well with his closest companion from the Primordial War. Together, they suffered many tribulations, went on many adventures, and shared many joys. In the blackness of his hatred for the world and its makers, she comforted and supported him without judgement. When she danced in the maelstrom of masks, when she lost all memory of her own heart, he was there to remind her of the true shape of her face, which to him was always its most beautiful.
I am not, in fact, super-concerned with hitting Greatness 10. Odyssial is already ridiculously potent, even more so than he was, and he used to be more potent than the Unconquered Sun himself. I am however interested in a good narrative.
Not becoming Strategos of the Exalted Host is a more interesting story than the expected outcome, which is Odyssial being selected as such because he's obviously the best qualified choice. Perhaps he was simply out-politicked; perhaps, the rest of the Exalted, even Queen Merela, were intimidated or off-put by his ceaseless quest for self-improvement. Being appointed Protector of the West keeps him away from the Blessed Isle, and comes off as a suitable reward for such an incredibly valued commander of the war. He's outside the inner circle of the Deliberative, distanced from the machinations of the other Solars, instead pursuing his own ends and transforming the West into a model Direction. One that creates a legacy for Ulyssian to build on (and provides some really neat artifacts).
Before he was appointed to command of the West, in the era of the civil wars raging around Merela's claim to the Crown of Thunders, Odyssial stood aloof. Contempt for his peers festered as they struggled for power by seizing resources instead of struggling for power with themselves. He looked to improve himself and solve threats to Creation from the Fae, the Lintha, the Niobrarians, Demon-cults, forbidden gods, and a thousand behemoths. But alongside him were his closest companions, his Lunar Mate Lealope and his Sidereal adviser and friend Sepulchral Pearlescence. Their adventures laid the foundation for his role in the West, creating a legacy of legends and providing Odyssial with the unique resources and potent wonders necessary for his broader ambitions. Ulyssian, too, can lay claim to that legacy by uncovering artifacts near-forgotten in myth and by discovering the ancient alliances of his prior incarnation.
And I think spending Heartless Might now on a more personal legacy makes a good deal of sense. Especially since in the long run it might actually mitigate Heartlessness in further epochs, if we choose carefully.
[X] The Sword of Endings - Sepulchral Pearlescence was a spry, slight Chosen of Endings, violet of eye and black of hair, with a crooked (and knowing) grin ever present on her face. Her delicate alabaster fingers, unblemished by even a single day's hard work, were threaded through with prayer strips to the Haywain and the Sword. In her right hand she held mourning, and in her left hand she held death. She began following Odyssial in the Primordial War, to manage and observe the effects that his storm of endings sent through Fate. Later, that was made her permanent assignation, after it was determined that this was cheaper than setting up a separate sub-Bureau to handle endings of which Odyssial was the cause.
[X] The Rose Blossoms - Though he spent much of his time pursuing self-improvement, Odyssial spent much time as well with his closest companion from the Primordial War. Together, they suffered many tribulations, went on many adventures, and shared many joys. In the blackness of his hatred for the world and its makers, she comforted and supported him without judgement. When she danced in the maelstrom of masks, when she lost all memory of her own heart, he was there to remind her of the true shape of her face, which to him was always its most beautiful.
I am not, in fact, super-concerned with hitting Greatness 10. Odyssial is already ridiculously potent, even more so than he was, and he used to be more potent than the Unconquered Sun himself. I am however interested in a good narrative.
Not becoming Strategos of the Exalted Host is a more interesting story than the expected outcome, which is Odyssial being selected as such because he's obviously the best qualified choice. Perhaps he was simply out-politicked; perhaps, the rest of the Exalted, even Queen Merela, were intimidated or off-put by his ceaseless quest for self-improvement. Being appointed Protector of the West keeps him away from the Blessed Isle, and comes off as a suitable reward for such an incredibly valued commander of the war. He's outside the inner circle of the Deliberative, distanced from the machinations of the other Solars, instead pursuing his own ends and transforming the West into a model Direction. One that creates a legacy for Ulyssian to build on (and provides some really neat artifacts).
Before he was appointed to command of the West, in the era of the civil wars raging around Merela's claim to the Crown of Thunders, Odyssial stood aloof. Contempt for his peers festered as they struggled for power by seizing resources instead of struggling for power with themselves. He looked to improve himself and solve threats to Creation from the Fae, the Lintha, the Niobrarians, Demon-cults, forbidden gods, and a thousand behemoths. But alongside him were his closest companions, his Lunar Mate Lealope and his Sidereal adviser and friend Sepulchral Pearlescence. Their adventures laid the foundation for his role in the West, creating a legacy of legends and providing Odyssial with the unique resources and potent wonders necessary for his broader ambitions. Ulyssian, too, can lay claim to that legacy by uncovering artifacts near-forgotten in myth and by discovering the ancient alliances of his prior incarnation.
And I think spending Heartless Might now on a more personal legacy makes a good deal of sense. Especially since in the long run it might actually mitigate Heartlessness in further epochs, if we choose carefully.
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Lexica
Persevere
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I think we can afford to drop the first one- Odyssial's holdings won't survive the usurpation intact anyways, so honestly on that front having an elder sidereal who is feeling sentimental and doesn't want all traces of a dear friend's works utterly destroyed is probably actually worth more to us in terms of leaving a legacy that will still be there in the ages to come.
We can pick extra options for a point of extra Heartlessness. There's an option that gives us a 20% boost to XP per extra Heartlessness point.
- Location
- California
[X] Lord Strategos - The thoroughness and genius of his tactics, culminating in the episode of the Odyssian Horse, led to Odyssial's ordination as the Lord Strategos of the Exalted Host, the highest of High Command. His dictates would shape the very nature of the Primordial War, and by its end the Titans indeed began to wish that they had never heard the name Odyssial.
[X] The Conquering King - Acquiring much territory in the countless conflicts of this Era, Odyssial learned how to conquer and rule. In the millennia to follow, his peoples would want for little, and never suffer the deprivations of a triumphant aggressor, not even as a part of Odyssial's schemes.
[X] The Sword of Endings - Sepulchral Pearlescence was a spry, slight Chosen of Endings, violet of eye and black of hair, with a crooked (and knowing) grin ever present on her face. Her delicate alabaster fingers, unblemished by even a single day's hard work, were threaded through with prayer strips to the Haywain and the Sword. In her right hand she held mourning, and in her left hand she held death. She began following Odyssial in the Primordial War, to manage and observe the effects that his storm of endings sent through Fate. Later, that was made her permanent assignation, after it was determined that this was cheaper than setting up a separate sub-Bureau to handle endings of which Odyssial was the cause.
[X] The Conquering King - Acquiring much territory in the countless conflicts of this Era, Odyssial learned how to conquer and rule. In the millennia to follow, his peoples would want for little, and never suffer the deprivations of a triumphant aggressor, not even as a part of Odyssial's schemes.
[X] The Sword of Endings - Sepulchral Pearlescence was a spry, slight Chosen of Endings, violet of eye and black of hair, with a crooked (and knowing) grin ever present on her face. Her delicate alabaster fingers, unblemished by even a single day's hard work, were threaded through with prayer strips to the Haywain and the Sword. In her right hand she held mourning, and in her left hand she held death. She began following Odyssial in the Primordial War, to manage and observe the effects that his storm of endings sent through Fate. Later, that was made her permanent assignation, after it was determined that this was cheaper than setting up a separate sub-Bureau to handle endings of which Odyssial was the cause.
Rihaku
The Internet
Lea still loves you in the First Age no matter what, since you took Queen of Masks. However, The Rose Blossoms will ensure that she remains affectionate even in the Second Age. Goodwill that can persist through absence and thousands of years is hard to create.
Alectai
Speaks Words of Wisdom... On occasion
That is an Excellent Argument Cavalier, and I am swayed.
That being said, before I fully change my vote, what kind of assets would we actually get from Conquering King Rihaku? The statement of "Your kingdom will be dust in the Second Age anyway" does largely fit canon.
That being said, before I fully change my vote, what kind of assets would we actually get from Conquering King Rihaku? The statement of "Your kingdom will be dust in the Second Age anyway" does largely fit canon.
What does Heartlessness do?
Cause it sounds bad and like something I wouldn't like.
Cause it sounds bad and like something I wouldn't like.
Rihaku
The Internet
Plus, who needs more Greatness XP if you max out that Heartlessness multiplier!
Indeed, an extra 60% XP could get you to a million XP right now!
With Mask Queen Lea, it's unlikely they would have been out-politicked, unless she had some reason to prevent him from becoming Lord Strategos... It's possible Odyssial simply didn't want the position, on the other hand. But I will note that you guys will need Lord Strategos if you want the Odyssian Horse incident to occur!
Hm... if you do want to turn the entire West into a model Direction, that will likely require Conquering King as well. Gold-Shadowed Arrow was the Protector of the South in 2E, but he didn't actually rule the entire South, it was divided among numerous Solars and Lunars. Protector and Ruler of a fifth of Creation is within Odyssial's ambitions, but you would need two choices to do it.
There are possibly more Sids to befriend in future epochs, though probably not assigned for as hilarious a reason as Pearl. Collect them all!
Oh, note that Odyssial's Heartlessness won't carry over in great part to Ulyssian anyway, even if his reincarnation program is as successful as I'll allow it to be. Unless, of course, you turn Heartlessness all the way to 11...
- Location
- USA
[X] Lord Strategos
I don't care about the mechanical advantages; this is what I see the character as. The greatest general, the leader of the might Solar Host itself.
[X] The Conquering King
Here is the character that strives to create the world he wished. Even in a small space, he made a good world. Let us not stray from our purpose; the masterstroke of change could be some time; let us do what we can now to make the our world now.
I don't care about the mechanical advantages; this is what I see the character as. The greatest general, the leader of the might Solar Host itself.
[X] The Conquering King
Here is the character that strives to create the world he wished. Even in a small space, he made a good world. Let us not stray from our purpose; the masterstroke of change could be some time; let us do what we can now to make the our world now.
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
Given that Coldness gave +2 to Heartlessness and was the canon option shouldn't we be at 6 since canon Odyssial had 8 Heartlessness?
- Location
- California
Didn't we pick Fury?
Da Boyz
The Cutest Apocalypse.
I was under the impression that many of the Fury voters wanted to decrease Fury's Heartlessness increase to 0, after all some of them said that Alectai convinced them and he argued for it.
[X] Lord Strategos
[X] Protector of the West
[X] The Sword of Endings
The last option seems to be the beginning of a sequence that will result in the creation of a legendary weapon, the one that it was stated we could find within our anima. So, yeah... Artifact N/A, people. I also think the a relationship with one of Saturn's Chosen could be interesting, giving the upcoming Usurpation and Odyssial's own propensity for ending things. If we want a legacy in the Age of Sorrows, how much of what we've build survives is dependent on the whims of the Sidereals in large part.
Protector of the West has obvious utility if we're to stay in Seacrown, and Lord Strategos builds on the legend of Odyssial as a supreme military commander, in addition to encouraging us to take Heartlessness with its bonus modifier.
[X] Protector of the West
[X] The Sword of Endings
The last option seems to be the beginning of a sequence that will result in the creation of a legendary weapon, the one that it was stated we could find within our anima. So, yeah... Artifact N/A, people. I also think the a relationship with one of Saturn's Chosen could be interesting, giving the upcoming Usurpation and Odyssial's own propensity for ending things. If we want a legacy in the Age of Sorrows, how much of what we've build survives is dependent on the whims of the Sidereals in large part.
Protector of the West has obvious utility if we're to stay in Seacrown, and Lord Strategos builds on the legend of Odyssial as a supreme military commander, in addition to encouraging us to take Heartlessness with its bonus modifier.
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Sepulchral Pearlescence is she Sad Ivory's predecessor?
[X] Protector of the West -
[X] The Sword of Endings -
[X] The Rose Blossoms -
Going for the lord strategos would be very tempting to go to Heartless 10 for +60% more xp to greatness 10 and give 3 additional choices beyond the one we get for every epoch.
I suppose if we go by the 2nd ed first age time line, there is still the Aftershock war, and the time of cascading years and then the Era of dreams.
[X] Protector of the West -
[X] The Sword of Endings -
[X] The Rose Blossoms -
Going for the lord strategos would be very tempting to go to Heartless 10 for +60% more xp to greatness 10 and give 3 additional choices beyond the one we get for every epoch.
I suppose if we go by the 2nd ed first age time line, there is still the Aftershock war, and the time of cascading years and then the Era of dreams.